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Android Devices to surpass Windows by 2016

If the
changing face of computing wasn't already abundantly clear, a study released
Wednesday by research firm Gartner underscores the potential for growth in the
smartphone and tablet marketplace. The study claims that Android could surpass
Windows as the most used operating system as soon as 2016. The firm estimates
that by the end of 2016 there will be 2.3 billion devices (smartphones, tablets
and computers) using Android with only 2.28 billion using Windows. For
comparison, estimates for the end of this year indicate there are 1.5 billion
Windows devices with 608 million using Android. It is especially
remarkable as Android was only released in 2008 while Microsoft's Windows has
been the dominant operating system on desktops for decades.

The shift can be explained by the changing landscape in the
device market. Windows does control the desktop segment, but desktop computer
sales were down 8% in the third quarter the first time since 2001. In contrast,
smartphones and tablet use has been exploding. While Microsoft has
been slow out of the gate, Android got its start on the newer device types
currently controlling about 2/3 of the smartphone market and is number two in
tablets only four years after release. The technology sector is very
volatile and a lot can happen in four years though. Microsoft, sensing the
changes in the marketplace is set to release its Windows 8, RT, and Phone 8
operating systems. These systems are built around the touchscreen and should
allow improved interoperability and a seamless transition between all devices.